Reusable container

ABSTRACT

A reusable open tray-like container, preferably plastic, for use with one or more similar containers to provide a lower and an upper portion forming a relatively large volume closed container providing a substantially sealed space for shipment of commestibles, all of said tray containers being nestable for compact storage. Each of said tray containers further including centrally located support means which also serve as locating means for preventing lateral movement between two opposed tray portions or containers. Additionally each tray container includes lateral seal means for sealing two mating positions forming the entire closed container.

United States Patent 1191 Pignato 1111 3,790,061 [451 Feb. 5, 1974 REUSABLE CONTAINER [76] Inventor: James M. Pignato, 5819 N.

Artesian, Chicago, 111. 60645 [22] Filed: Apr. 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 134,666

' [52] US. Cl. 229/2.5, 217/265 [51] Int. Cl B65d 1/00, B65d 85/00 [58] Field of Search 229/2.5; 206/46 FR; 220/55 G, 220/55 N; 224/44; 217/265 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,342,397 9/1967 Duitsman 229/2.5 3,351,270 11/1967 Hohnjec 229/44 3,131,846 5/1964 Whiteford 229/2.5 3,360,150 12/1967- Schechter 1 229/2.5 X 3,416,690 12/1968 Michael 229/2.5 X 3,421,682 l/l969 Eisenbach.... 229/2.5 X 3,442,433 5/1969 Lombardi et a1. 229/ 2.5

1,871,453 8/1932 Cobb 220/55 0 Primary Examiner-Davis T. Moorhead Attorney, Agent, or Firmlack R. Halvorsen [5 7] ABSTRACT A reusable open tray-like container, preferably plastic, for use with one or more similar containers to provide a lower and an upper portion forming a relatively large volume closed container providing a substantially sealed space for shipment of commestibles, all of said tray containers being nestable for compact storage. Each of said tray containers further including centrally located support means which also serve as locating means for preventing lateral movement between two opposed tray portions or containers. Additionally each tray container includes lateral seal means for sealing two mating positions forming the entire closed container.

3 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENTEU 51974 SHEEI 1 BF 2 I 32 u a WITHIN: 56 M g; V 4 h .J m 0 H P His AH'y.

PAIENIEDFEB SHEET 2 BF 2 HHIIIIHHl-HIIM Fig-6 INVENTORQ v James M, P/gna/a yam His Arr BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Bakeries and other producers of food products have for many years utilized large paperboard boxes for the shipment and storage of their products to their customers. The basic problem in such containers and boxes is that in order to preserve the physical configuration and I freshness of the product .it is necessary that the box or container be strong enough to prevent crushing of the product and to be sufficiently airtight to preserve the freshness of the product. Containers or boxes which solve both of these problems are generally too costly to be a disposable item and even if they are disposable they create a major problem in their disposal. Thus, where large quantities of buns, both for hamburgers and hot dogs, are supplied to large volume drive-in organizations, these users are faced with almost insurmountable s'torage problems since the boxes for their buns and patties occupy the same space when empty as they do when full.

SUMMARY It is a primary object of this invention to provide a reusable tray-like container which is capable of being closed container having lateral stability between the two portions as well as providing support in the broad middle areas when two or more of such two element closed containers are stacked on top of one another to prevent collapsing of the container which would result in the crushing or damaging of the product being shipped therein. I

An additional object'of the invention is to provide a container that is so Configured that after the product, which has been shipped in the container, is removed that the two elements forming the container can be nested one within the other to reduce the storage space required for its retention until the return shipment to the purveyor or supplier of the commestible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING F IG. 1 is a perspective view in partial section of a reusable closed container of the type contemplated by the present invention showing the container stacked on a similar container, illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view in section taken along line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lower element of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the upper element of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view in partial section showing the manner in which elements of the type shown in FIG. 1 are adapted to be nested within one another for storage;

. FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view in section showing a secondary embodimentof a container having a different support and locating means;

FIG. 7 is a plan view, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 showing a variatio-nin the disposition of the support and locating means;

FIG. 8 is still another plan view of a variation in the disposition of the support and locating means in a square container;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view in section showing a self-carried locking means for retaining the elements of the container in associated relationshipas well as showing a locating and sealing means in the laterally extending flange surrounding the container elements; and

FIG. 10 is an elevational view in partial section of the device shown in FIG. 9, as taken along 9-9 in FIG. 9.

Referring to the drawing, wherein similar parts are identified by similar numerals, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 is a large volume, relatively shallow closed container 10 formed from a pair of mutually complementary tray-like containers 12 and 14. In this embodiment the lower tray 12 includes a large area base 16, tapered sidewalls 18 extending upwardly and outwardly from their juncture with the perimeter of base 16. At the free end of the sidewalls 18 a flange 20 extends laterally outwardly therefrom and includes a horizontally disposed portion 20 and a depending skirt portion 22, for purposes best set forth hereinafter. In the preferred embodiment the sidewalls l8 and the flange 20 with its skirt portion 22 are continuous but it is contemplated that they could be discontinuous should venting of the container be desired.

Extending upwardly from base 16 are a plurality of locating and support means 24 which in this embodiment are vfrusto-conical elementshaving conical base portions 25 which are truncated or open at both their major and minor diametral dimensions forming apertures 26 and 28, respectfully. It will be noted that the cones open through the base 16 to provide access to their interior through aperture 28. Thecones 24 are arranged on the base 16 in a predetermined pattern which can. be of the type shown in FIG. 3;, although this is only one of many combinations or arrangements which will satisfy the purposes of this invention.

The upper element or tray-like container 14 of this embodiment includes a base 30, tapered sidewalls 32 and at the free end of walls 32 a laterally extending flange element having horizontally disposed portion 34 and a depending skirt portion 36 extending toward the base 30. Extending into the interior of tray element 14 are a plurality of locating and support means 38, each of these being arranged'in the same predetermined pattern or-orientation as the support means 24 in the other element 12. 'The support means 38 include a hollow frusto-conical base portion 40, substantially identical to cones 24, terminating in an integral closed terminal ture 26 in cone 24. The interior of hollow conical portion 40 is accessible through base 30 by means of aperture 44, for purposes set forth hereinafter.

The bases 16 and 30 may also be provided with reinforcing ribs 50 for providing stability to the large area are introduced into the upper open end of the frustoconical elements 24 as defined by aperture 26. Since the diametral measurement of the closed end 42 is substantially equal to the diametral measurement of aperture 26 the tapered base portion 40 prevents further entry, serving as both a locating means, support and sea]. In actual usage the lower element or container 12 is loaded with the commestibles between the support means 24 and extending upwardly beyond the height of side wall 18 to a level equal to the sum of the heights of sidewalls 18 and 32. The second element or container 14 is then inverted and positioned in the fashion mentioned above to form the closed supported container shown in FIG. 1. To insure against separation and to also provide a substantially sealed assembly tape 56 or other suitable fastening means may be applied on the aligned skirt portions 22 and 36 of the flanges and 34 respectively.

When the container reaches its destination the fastening means, such as tape 56, is removed, the upper element 14 removed and the commestibles unloaded. When the lower element 12 is emptied the upper element 14 may be inverted and nested therein, as shown in FIG. 5. It will be apparent from the drawing that the sequence of nesting can follow any order, additionally it does not matter whether element 14 is on the top or on the bottom. The support means 24 and 38 prevent lateral shifting of the assembled container 10 and also provide central support to the assembled closed container to permit stacking of such closed containers when loaded with commestibles or other material without fear of crushing of the materials stored in the containers.

In the present embodiment for ease in description the open support means 24 and the closed means 38 have been described as being each exclusively located in the two container elements 12 and 14 respectively, however, it will be apparent from studying FIGS. 3 and 4 that it would be possible to provide a universal or hermaphroditic container which contained both open and closed support means 24 and 38. The most obvious orientation for such a container would be to provide one row of open means 24 and one row of closed means 38. Simple orientation of the two elements would provide the same lateral and vertical support as described above.

For each in fabrication and economy in material, containers of the type described are preferably thermoformed or vacuum formed in one piece from sheet plastic materials having the necessary strength characteristics for the intended usage of the containers.

In the first embodiment described above the support means were conical members. It will be recognized that other forms having a tapered sidewall which will permit nesting of the tray-like portions are also acceptable. Additionally, it may be desirable for thesupport means to be totally closed for sealing purposes. An embodiment which fulfills these requirements and which is universal in nature is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Each element or tray-like container 60 of this embodiment includes a base 62, tapered side walls 64 and two or more pairs of complementary support means 66 and 68 respectively disposed in opposite corners of the arrangement disclosed.

The support means 66, as shown, is a hollow rectangular member having tapered side walls 70 surrounding and extending inwardly of the aperture 72 in base 62. The free ends of the walls 70 are joined by an endwall '74 having a centrally disposed trough or groove 76.

Endwall 74 preferably lies in a plane which passes through the free end of side wall 64 and the upper exposed surfaces of the laterally extending flanges 64 for purposes set forth hereinafter.

The support means 68 include tapered sidewalls 80 forming a hollow rectangular member surrounding and extending inwardly of the aperture 82 in base 62. The free ends of the sidewalls 80 are joined by an endwall 84 having a centrally disposed inwardly directly rib 86 which extends beyond the plane passing through the wall 84, the free end of the container side wall 64 and the laterally extending flange 65. The configuration of rib 86 is substantially complementary to the depressed groove 76 in the support means 66. Thus, it will be apparent when one tray-like container is inverted on a mating container 60, the flanges will be brought into abutting relationship, the outer surfaces of endwalls 74 and 84 will abut and the rib 86 will be nested within the groove 76. The rib and groove 86 and 76 respectively, will positively locate one tray-like container relative to the other and prevent lateral movement. Application of tape 90 around the skirt portions 65a will prevent separation of the containers 60 and provide an effective sealed closed container for the storage and transportation of commestibles. Additionally, the traylike containers would be nestable for storage when they are empty in the same fashion as the container of the first embodiment.

While the first two embodiments have contemplated substantially rectangular containers, it is within the concept of this invention that the container may take any particular nestable or complementary configuration. A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 8 in the form of a square'tray-like container shown in plan view. In this embodiment similar parts are designated by similar numerals with the addition of the suffix a. This embodiment contemplates a base 62a, tapered sidewalls 64a, and a laterally extending flange 65a circumscribing the free ends of the sidewalls 64a. In this embodiment a single support means 92 is disposed in a diagonal or corner-to-corner position. The support means 92 includes tapered sidewalls a and a connecting end wall 74a. Positioned at opposite ends on endwall 74a are an elongated trough or groove 76a and a complementary rib 86a. Additional 'locating'means such as protuberance 94 and depression or groove 96 can be positioned intermediate items 76a and 860. To increase therigidity of base 62a reinforcing ribs 50a may also be introduced. The use of this container is a universal one in that it is only necessary to orient rib 86a with groove 76a in a complementary container, when in opposed relationship. The endwall 74a and the sidewall 64a with flanges 65a serve to support two opposed containers when in inverted position and juxtaposed to one another. The usage of this combined container is substantially identical to the previous embodiment. I

In the previous embodiment it has been proposed that a skirt be provided on the laterally extending flange to serve as a gripping means for carrying as well as to provide a surface for the application of tape or similar fastening means to prevent separation of the containers as well as to seal them. A furtherlenibodiment is shown in FIG. 9 and 10 and relates primarily to a modification in the flange construction. In this embodiment any of the support means shown in the previous embodiments can be utilized. In the previous embodiments the horizontally extending flange 20, 34, and 65 were provided with depending skirt portions adapted to accept tape or other fastener means for maintaing the two portions of the container in juxtaposed relation. In this embodiment the flanges 100 and 102 are provided along opposing sides of the container with a rib 1'04 and a groove 106 which are mutually coextensive and complementary throughout their length. It is possible, by providing a rib on one side of a particular tray-like container and a groove on the other side for the container to be universal. Not only do the rib 104 and the groove 106 provide additional means for control of the lateral movement of the tray-like containers relative to one another, but also, serve as a sealing means in the flange area. In FIG. 9 the flanges 100 and 102 are provided with a discontinuous rib and groove configuration and in this area are provided with a C shape permanently mounted clamp means 110. The clamp 110 is provided with a C- shape body 112 adapted to embrace juxtaposed flanges 100 and 102 and includes an upstanding flange 114 serving as a handle means for the clamp. The clamp means 110 also, preferably, includes a fastening means such as rivets 116 mounted, in this embodiment, on a lateral extension 118 and provides a pivot point about which the clamp may rotate and be clear of the flanges when in the open position laterally of the flange. Thus, the device which would employ such a clamp would be self contained and reusable without the necessity of using a secondary fastener means such as the tape 56 or 90.

The two piece container which has been illustrated by the various embodiments set forth hereinabove provides a readily stackable and nestable device for the transportation of commestibles such as baked goods. After use, the containers can be stored in a minimum of space by reduction of their overall height and reused by the purveyor of the commestible.

I claim:

1. A nestable tray-like container for use with one or more identical containers including a base of substantial generally planar extent, relatively shallow tapered side walls extending upwardly from the margins of said large base and forming a generally smooth continuous wall, mating means at the free end of the side walls including a flange extending laterally from said free end of the side walls, said flange including a portion extending downwardly toward said base and adapted to accept a removable fastening-sealing means, hollow tapered locking support means in the configuration of frusto-conical protuberances projecting upwardly from the central portion of said base into said container in predetermined orientation within said container, said locking support means being spaced from one another to provide large uninterrupted surface areas on said base, said hollow locking support means having an equal number of truncated support means and closed end support means, said container being capable of nesting with a like container when facing in the same direction, said truncated and untruncated locking support means adapted to cooperate with truncated and untruncated locking support means of a second container when said containers are juxtaposed in inverted opposition to each other, said equal number of hollow frusto-conical protuberance means having a closed end wall including a substantially hemispherical tip integral with the free end of said frusto-conical protuberance with one-half of said locking support means having a shorter overall height and provided with mating means for cooperation with similar means of a greater overall height in a second oppositionally disposed container with the sum total of their heights being substantially equal to the cumulative height of the side walls in said containers for providing central support to the bases of said opposed containers when in stacked relation with additional containers, whereby said large unrestricted base is supported at a plurality of points by the locking support means and the mating means at the free end of the side walls with said means being adapted to limit 1 lateral shifting of said second container relative to said first container when in inverted relation to each other.

2. A container of the type claimed in claim 1 wherein said flange includes locking means adapted to cooperate with and lock two tray-like containers together as a closed unit. I

3. A container of the type claimed in claim 1 wherein said flange means include interengaging complemen tary rib and groove means for cooperation with similar means on a second inverted juxtaposed container, lock means permanently mounted on one of said flange gagement. 

1. A nestable tray-like container for use with one or more identical containers including a base of substantial generally planar extent, relatively shallow tapered side walls extending upwardly from the margins of said large base and forming a generally smooth continuous wall, mating means at the free end of the side walls including a flange extending laterally from said free end of the side walls, said flange including a portion extending downwardly toward said base and adapted to accept a removable fastening-sealing means, hollow tapered locking support means in the configuration of frusto-conical protuberances projecting upwardly from the central portion of said base into said container in predetermined orientation within said container, said locking support means being spaced from one another to provide large uninterrupted surface areas on said base, said hollow locking support means having an equal number of truncated support means and closed end support means, said container being capable of nesting with a like container when facing in the same direction, said truncated and untruncated locking support means adapted to cooperate with truncated and untruncated locking support means of a second container when said containers are juxtaposed in inverted opposition to each other, said equal number of hollow frusto-conical protuberance means having a closed end wall including a substantially hemispherical tip integral with the free end of said frusto-conical protuberance with one-half of said locking support means having a shorter overall height and provided with mating means for cooperation with similar means of a greater overall height in a second oppositionally disposed container with the sum total of their heights being substantially equal to the cumulative height of the side walls in said containers for providing central support to the bases of said opposed containers when in stacked relation with additional containers, whereby said large unrestricted base is supported at a plurality of points by the locking support means and the mating means at the free end of the side walls with said means being adapted to limit lateral shifting of said second container relative to said first container when in inverted relation to each other.
 2. A container of the type claimed in claim 1 wherein said flange includes locking means adapted to cooperate with and lock two tray-like containers together as a closed unit.
 3. A container of the type claimed in claim 1 wherein said flange means include interengaging complementary rib and groove means for cooperation with similar means on a second inverted juxtaposed container, lock means permanently mounted on one of said flange means for maintaining said flanges in juxtaposed engagement. 